Research Tips

Hi Everyone
So you are full throttle into research for term papers, course papers and coming up to the big one ....THESIS RESEARCH. Well just a quick suggestion on one source that was very helpful to UMD 5. I am sure some have already stumbled across it but there might be those who have not. This very helpful source is GOOGLE BOOKS!!


Google Books is a web site created by Google that has uploaded and impressive number of books on this site that can not only be viewed but will allow you to search using certain key words. Over the course of a year I have accessed and referenced 117 books. Before you begin its best i tell you most of these books only allow a limited view of the literature but some do allow you to read the entire book. The good thing is even a "limited view" still offers up much information. Follow steps below and see image at end of page.

1. Head to http://www.google.com/ and at the top are all the various google sites.


2. To maximise this site it will require that you have a Google Account...which usually requires a google email. Set that up and you are good to go.


3. Click on MORE and select BOOKS.


4. Plug in a search....hmmm lets try "infrastructure" hmmm too general. Lets try urban infrastructure. Yah much better.


5. Select a book, take a peek and if you like you can read on or save it in YOUR LIBRARY. This option should be at the top right of the screen.


6. After a while your libary is gonna grow, making it hard to find the books you saved and even forgot you saved. So you might want to add LABELS which will make it easier to find the books you want.


7. Add labels by clicking on MY LIBRARY at the top, right corner. All your saved books show up and you simply click "add labels" and think of words that will remind you of what this book is about and think of about three with commas in between. Then click save.


8. If you look on the right side of the page you can now see all your labels and an easier way to access your materials.

I found this an invaluable resource. Most times after locating a book I then turn to the Erasmus library website to see its available. I then reserved it while at home and pick up tomorrow for deeper study. Do not underestimate this resource and have fun. Cheers.